PASO ROBLES, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2025) – A new era begins for Vina Robles under Courtney M. Benham Family of Wines (CMB Family of Wines), marking a bold step forward for this historic brand. Since its founding in 1998, Vina Robles has played a key role in establishing Paso Robles as a premier wine region, known for crafting bold, expressive wines that showcase the area’s distinctive terroir. Now, guided by CMB Family of Wines founder Courtney Benham, the winery’s legacy will be carried forward into its next chapter, highlighted by the opening of its stunning new 20,000-square-foot tasting room at 1650 Ramada Drive, just off Highway 101 at the gateway to the 46 West wine trail.
Benham, a California native raised on his family’s farm in Bakersfield, developed a deep connection to agriculture early on, beginning his career in wine 40 years ago. Over the decades, he has earned a reputation for honoring tradition while revitalizing storied wineries, as he did with Martin Ray. His commitment to land stewardship, sustainable farming, and heritage preservation is matched by his passion for producing wines of exceptional character.
“Vina Robles has a long-standing reputation for exceptional winemaking, and I’m truly honored to be part of its journey in Paso Robles, one of California’s most dynamic and exciting wine regions,” said Benham. “Our goal is to uphold the incredible legacy here while also embracing the future—whether that’s through our refreshed urban tasting room or our commitment to crafting wines of the highest quality that reflect both tradition and innovation.”
Vina Robles’ new architecturally distinctive tasting room seamlessly combines modern industrial design with the sophistication and warmth of Paso Robles wine country. The space features a large central tasting bar, intimate seating areas, a dramatic communal table crafted from reclaimed wine barrels and materials, and a retractable garage door that opens for an indoor-outdoor flow. The tasting room is designed not only as a space for sampling Vina Robles’ wines but also as a vibrant hub for the Paso Robles community, with a variety of tasting experiences offered, from casual to celebratory. Live music, special events, social gatherings, and other surprises will fill the space with energy throughout the year. As an initial offering, guests can enjoy throwback $5 ‘belly-up-to-the-bar’ tastings that honor the region’s early wine tourism days. In addition to Vina Robles wines, the tasting room will showcase selections from the CMB Family of Wines portfolio, including celebrated labels like Martin Ray. A state-of-the-art wood-fired pizza oven imported from Italy promises to complement Vina Robles’ exceptional wines, with a soon-to-be-announced culinary partner bringing authentic, flavorful pairings to the table.
Leslie Renaud, Director of Winemaking for CMB Family of Wines, will lead the future of Vina Robles wines. A highly regarded winemaker with a decade of experience on the Central Coast, Renaud began her career in the late ’90s, playing a key role in crafting critically acclaimed wines at Talley Vineyards and launching the Bishop’s Peak label. She later worked in Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains before joining CMB Family of Wines in 2019. Combined with Benham’s extensive network of carefully selected family-owned grower partners such as Dutton Ranch and Ritchie Vineyard, Renaud will build on long-standing relationships while introducing new vineyard sources from Paso Robles’ most iconic locations, ensuring the wines continue to reflect the region’s unique terroir. She is joined by CMB Family of Wines winemaker Raemy Paterson, whose global perspective — shaped by her experience in Bordeaux, Provence, the Russian River Valley, and the Barossa Valley — will further enrich Vina Robles’ winemaking endeavors.
When CMB Family of Wines acquired Vina Robles in September 2024 — including its trademark, inventory, barrels, and intellectual property — preserving the brand’s strong connection to the region’s wine and music culture was a top priority. While the acquisition did not include the hospitality center or the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Vina Robles will be the exclusive wine partner of the VRA 2025 Concert Season, which will also feature wines from other labels in the CMB Family of Wines portfolio. Wine Club members will continue to enjoy exclusive perks, including VIP access to amphitheater events, early concert ticket sales, and premium benefits such as the Terrace Club Experience, which offers a dedicated entrance and exclusive patio access shared with season pass and box holders.
Beginning February 17, the Vina Robles tasting room will be open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Advanced reservations are recommended. The grand opening event will be held on Sunday, February 16, from 11 am to 3 pm. Reservations are required. To RSVP, please visit TOCK: Vina Robles Grand Opening.
About Vina Robles
Founded in the late 1990s by Swiss entrepreneur Hans Nef, Vina Robles has been a defining force in Paso Robles, crafting exceptional, award-winning wines that showcase the rich terroir of California’s Central Coast. Now, under the leadership of Courtney Benham and CMB Family of Wines, Vina Robles is entering an exciting new era. With a renewed focus on interactive tastings, approachable hospitality, and elevated wine experiences, the winery continues to honor its roots while embracing the future. For more information, visit VinaRobles.com or follow Vina Robles Winery on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About CMB Family of Wines
CMB Family of Wines is a family-owned and operated portfolio of premium wine brands based in California’s Russian River Valley, on the Laguna Ridge at Martin Ray—one of the state’s oldest continually operating wineries. The portfolio includes Martin Ray, Angeline, Synthesis, Courtney Benham, and the newly acquired Foppiano and Vina Robles. Known for revitalizing legacy brands, CMB Family of Wines seamlessly blends tradition with modern innovation, crafting wines that celebrate California’s most esteemed appellations. With an unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and a family-first philosophy, CMB Family of Wines is shaping a dynamic future for generations to come.
